If your basement is prone to flooding during the rainy season, you probably have a sump pump installed to help remove accumulated water in the sump basin. Most sump pumps tend to last around 10 years before needing to be replaced. However, some will show signs of wear and tear in a slightly shorter space of time. Here is a breakdown of the top three signs that it is time to invest in a new sump pump.
The pump never stops running
A sump pump in good condition will stop running automatically once all of the water has been properly emptied from the sump basin. In some cases, especially when the size of the pump is not adequately matched to the size of the basin, the pump will continue running even after the water has been removed, placing significant strain on the system and increasing the chances of overheating or premature failure.
Another possible reason behind pumps that won’t rest is float switches that are stuck in the ‘on’ position. You can check this yourself or call on the experts to lend a hand.
Loud noises coming from the motor
It is a surefire sign that the sump pump motor is reaching the end of its lifespan when it starts making a louder noise than usual. If you still have an outdated sump pump installed, be sure to look into purchasing the newer cast-iron models. These are superior in many ways, for instance, most are self-lubricating, which means that they require far less maintenance in order to continue operating effectively. They are also less likely to overheat and, therefore, often last longer than the 10-year average.
Random cycling
Pay attention to when your sump pump turns on and for how long it runs. Pumps that cycle in sporadic bursts often do so as a result of a broken check valve and this usually indicates that the water removed from the basin isn’t actually leaving the discharge line. Instead, the pump is constantly working to remove the same water over and over again. If this random cycling is not noticed in time, the sump pump will incur significant strain and will usually need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
It is always worthwhile calling on the experts to inspect your sump pump if you notice any of the signs as mentioned above. Ignoring the signs that something could be amiss could lead to costly breakdowns and may even result in basement flooding and subsequent water damage that could have easily been prevented.
Remember, while it may seem tempting to put off replacing your sump pump until it fails, this is extremely risky and could end up costing you more in the long run. Rather take a proactive approach and speak to a professional about replacing it soon after the pump has reached its 10th year of use. In instances such as these, it is definitely better to be safe than sorry!
